Influencer killed while live-streaming in Culiacán, authorities probe cartel link
TikTok star César Gastelum was shot dead during a live broadcast in Culiacán. Mexican officials said they are investigating possible involvement of a criminal group faction.
César Gastelum, a 25-year-old social-media personality with more than 600,000 TikTok followers, was shot dead on Tuesday while live-streaming on a commercial street in Culiacán, the capital of Sinaloa state. The attack occurred as Gastelum and two companions, dressed in orange delivery jackets, were filming; a motorcycle with two riders approached and one shooter fired at close range, killing Gastelum. The two colleagues escaped unharmed and the assailants fled.
Mexico’s Security Cabinet said investigators are examining a possible link to a faction of an organized-crime group, without providing further details. The incident took place near the building that houses the state prosecutor’s office, an area that has seen frequent violence as rival factions of the Sinaloa cartel continue a multi-year conflict.
President Claudia Sheinbaum told reporters that the killing would be investigated and that authorities are seeking both the shooters and the planners. > "We have to wait for all the information," Sheinbaum said.
The case follows other recent murders of Mexican internet personalities, including the 2023 killing of beauty influencer Valeria Márquez in Zapopan, which was linked to a Jalisco New Generation Cartel cell. Officials have also connected the death of Michoacán mayor Carlos Manzo to the same cartel.
Police have not announced any arrests in the Gastelum case, and the use of motorcycle hit squads remains a common tactic among Mexican gangs.